The music in ''Franchise/MassEffect'' is brilliant by itself, but when used to underscore the many, many epic sequences in the game, it really comes to life.

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[[folder:Mass Effect 1]]* The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECcDavzJGzU Love Theme,]] which plays after escaping Virmire. It's enough to make it sound like a dirge for whichever squadmate you were forced to leave behind.* The dramatic [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRkeyFNxBYs From The Wreckage]] is hilarious once you know it -- a really, really tinny version plays in some of the game's various elevators long before it's used "properly".* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk8gVWOy7uo Spectre Induction]]. That it's the soundtrack playing during your AwesomeMomentOfCrowning only makes it better.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcrDWAuyqtc M4 Part II]] by [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/M4_Part_II Canadian band Faunts]] really deserves a spot here.* The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVm_ljDSdwA Main Title]]. ''(music builds in a crescendo)'' "They called it the greatest discovery in human history. The civilizations of the galaxy call it... ''(music peaks)'' [[AC:[[TitleDrop Mass Effect]]]]." This song serves as the EstablishingCharacterMoment for the series as a whole, in a lot of ways, as main title track, much like the series itself, contains a lot of elements from classic SpaceOpera sci-fi themes. It gets played again in a reprise at the end of the game as the ''Normandy'' is [[RidingIntoTheSunset flying off into the sunset]], and ''again'' at the end of the second game (but only during the best ending where [[spoiler: EverybodyLives during the suicide mission]]). Yep, it's the Main Theme, alright.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV1pPgpcAVw Vigil's theme]]. It's a sad piece as the virtual intelligence discusses how the Protheans sacrificed ''everything'' to FlingALightIntoTheFuture in the vain, faint hope that some species not yet born would have ''some'' chance of fighting off the Reapers. It's hard not to feel sorry for Vigil, who has been waiting for 50,000 years for ''someone'' to listen to his message, after having to [[spoiler: deactivate and euthanize most of the survivors]] to still have enough power to remain active. It's even sadder in retrospect in that you learn in ''Mass Effect 2'' [[spoiler: Vigil shut down shortly after you spoke to it, due to a lack of power.]]** Epically intertwined is [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCaTYTtTKeM the Collector theme]] from Mass Effect 2, when you learn that the Collectors are [[spoiler: genetically modified Protheans, and their theme is a twisted version of Vigil's theme]].** And again in ''Mass Effect 2'' when it plays during Shepard's encounters with old teammates, basically an EpicHail to the previous game. Especially when Wrex greets Shepard very warmly.** Its use in the main menu shouldn't be downplayed either. A calm yet dramatic tune, being played over an image of a moon orbiting a massive blue planet. It's the perfect way to start the game(and by extension the whole series).** It's used when Liara returns to the Normandy at the end of the ''Lair of the Shadow Broker'' [=DLC=]. It will either make you feel happy for Shepard as it gives a hope spot, or it will reach TearJerker levels as it helps highlight how crappy Shepard's life currently is.** This is a follow-up to its use during the reunion on Horizon, which itself was another tear jerking reminder of everything Shepard has been forced to leave behind.** It's used again to great effect when [[spoiler: Shepard and co. finally cure the krogan genophage. More so due to the sacrifice that was made to accomplish this]]. [[TearJerker Tears were]] [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments shed]].** Also used after [[spoiler: Legion's sacrifice on Rannoch.]] [[TearJerker "Keelah]] [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments se'lai."]]** Used as well in the final ending scene of ''Mass Effect 3'', [[BookEnds bringing players out of the series with the same music as when they first started.]]* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEc1OTFaWnI "Sovereign's Theme"]] ''never'' ceases to be epic, especially when combined with the horrific flashbacks implanted into Shepard's mind. This song brings to mind all the best soundtracks of 80's sci-fi epics such as ''{{Film/Dune}}'', and the larger-than-life scope that they would invoke.* It's not as bombastic or epic as some of the other examples, but the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvfPTKru0s0 Galaxy Map]] theme just makes you want to get out there and ''explore.'' Is it any wonder that it's used throughout all three games?* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMed0AQt6g4 Final Assault]], the theme played for the final battle against [[spoiler:Saren Husk]]. It's basically an orchestrated remix of Sovereign's theme, and it is ''glorious''. The best part about this song is that it's a remix of Sovereign's theme, yes; but it has tones from [[spoiler:Saren's]] Theme layered on top of it. That mix pretty much expresses what the final boss is.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQwmYXoTbe4 In Pursuit of Saren]], played over the opening of the Battle of the Citadel. When Sovereign emerges from the mass relay with the geth fleet and pounding drums... goosebumps.** The impossibly epic opening of the song is reused in ''Mass Effect 3'', when Shepard is facing down a Reaper... on ''foot''.** Reused again later in the third game, when a Reaper emerges from the Geth base on Rannoch. * [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rpExCO94LU Victory]].* While it may not be as spectacular as some other examples, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHkBFymRiOs Ilos Battle]] is a solid piece that practically BECKONS you to rush [[spoiler:to stop Saren from reaching the Conduit]] It highlights a sort of tension, and fuels adrenaline for the final battle.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8BXpCj9Xgs The theme]] as the Alliance fleet rushes in to save the ''Destiny Ascension.''* The music from [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSseL7xmxtY Flux.]]* The bad-ass track playing on [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpwL2bA_fjA Chora's Den]]. * [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhrbK254yRE Saren's theme]] is ''menacing.'' Even worse? You hear the theme every time you die, which means that if Shepard dies ''Saren automatically wins.''* An unreleased track: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOGO4uMIB9A Final Battle]]. This song plays during [[spoiler:the ascent up the side of Citadel Tower, with Sovereign at the top while you battle numerous Geth and Krogan. It goes really well considering everything that's at stake.]]* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWlgX9YiEyE Virmire Ride]] and [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4SFXIzNf1o Virmire Battle]].* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIW9Dc-ZfnU Normandy]], a great bit of tense music to listen to while running around on your stealth frigate through the stars.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo1LGlmDCeE Patton speech]]. * [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5GHQNnPUuo Noveria]]. It's so calm and mysterious, a dark and atmospheric tune to keep you on your toes throughout the span of your visit.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Mass Effect 2]]* The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkoIF02cRzg Mission Accomplished]] Theme. Reason enough to do every little side mission in the game.* The sequel introduces "[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCk4RiKH9H0 The End Run]]", the dramatic track that plays when [[spoiler:you and your team run towards the Normandy during the suicide mission]]. It kicks into gear as you start running ([[spoiler:and the Harbinger gives his speech to Shepard]]), then really ramps up as [[spoiler:Shepard is hanging off the ship after jumping towards it]]. The track then introduces a choir that gets louder and louder as [[spoiler:the Normandy escapes the Collector base, and the Harbinger releases the Collector General]], finally culminating in the final crescendo as the [[spoiler:ship outruns the blastwave and warps back to Alliance space]].** The End Run, combined with Suicide Mission, is basically the [[EvilTwin Good Twin]] of The Imperial March. It's THAT awesome people.** Bonus points to both of those for pulling off [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuple_meter 7/4 time]].* The track that plays in the second part of the derelict Reaper. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZJZKk6dj8k Legion's theme]], to be specific.* So, apparently Samara had to compensate for her theme being played only twice in the game by having one of the greatest musical tracks in recent memory. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U9FW0fY0cI Holy crap]]. In the last part of her recruitment mission, you'd think you were facing a real challenge, what with the haunting choir and fast-paced orchestral music playing in the background.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTsD2FjmLsw "Suicide Mission"]]. The best thing about "Suicide Mission" -- hell, ''all'' the music post Omega 4 relay -- is how fitting it is. And that is saying a lot considering how varyingly the mission can go. If you haven't lost anyone and are kicking [[DemonicSpiders Harbinger's]] ass and defeating Scions and Abominations left and right, it's a triumphant, epic and victorious piece that makes you feel like THE biggest badass. If you're doing less well, are struggling to reach the next segment and have lost team mates, it's melancholic enough to keep you aware of your losses, and dramatic enough to drive you onwards -- to survive, to avenge and to complete the mission. By the end of the [[spoiler:Reaper Larva match]] you're either feeling utterly unstoppable or desperate just to survive. ** What's better than "Suicide Mission"? "Suicide Mission" ''[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgBD6FMTLNg with full orchestra]].''** What's better than "Suicide Mission" with full orchestra? "Suicide Mission" ''[[SerialEscalation plus "Suicide Mission" with full orchestra]]'' to make a '''[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAcWuw2pDpo "Suicide Mission" hybrid mix.]]'''** "Suicide Mission" is so freaking awesome, TNT used it for their promos for ''Series/TheBorgias'', Series 2, Episode 2 ("Paolo").* You also can't go wrong with the music in Afterlife on Omega.** Upper level is [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POHscfRZty8 "Callista"]] by Saki Kaska.** Lower level is [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fcQB0KPWn0 "Techno Madness"]] by Jesse Allen.* If TheChessmaster could have a theme song, it's unquestionably [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBLOvSb56Vc The Illusive Man]]. It's the leitmotif of the always-palpable tension whenever he and Shepard talk, every which time this song plays in the game. There's a reason this is one of the tracks that carried over to the third game.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXCM0lZxh4U "The Normandy Reborn"]]. This plays (on a slightly higher pitch than the official soundtrack, mind) when the Normandy [=SR2=] is first unveiled. The music, coupled with the scene, secures the Normandy's place at the top of the list of epic science-fiction ships, such as the Millennium Falcon and the Enterprise. It plays again at the end of the game. You'd better check for a pulse if it wasn't racing as this played [[spoiler:when the Reaper fleet was revealed]].* The music from the [=ME2=] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjOEmHEd2XM launch trailer]], [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISzK6e237II "Heart of Courage"]] by TwoStepsFromHell. That is some epic music.* [[ClassyCatBurglar Kasumi Goto's]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FriQA-DIejw theme]] manages to convey menace, melancholy, action and an Oriental theme.** It's two separate pieces of music - the first is titled "Making Our Escape", the second - "Death from Above". The third ("Infiltration") is missing, but can be found on the composer Sascha Dikiciyan's [[http://sonicmayhem.com/ website.]]** It's also fitting to the best thief of the galaxy that her theme just screams ''heist movie.''* Like Kasumi, ''Lair of the Shadow Broker'' has one of the greatest scores of the series, which contributes a great deal to making it one of the best downloadable contents ever released. It is just amazing for both a an great action packed [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfQXtiE5Nno chase scene across the roofs of Illium]], as well as for a frontal assault against a giant fortress floating in the skies of a hellish planet.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN4sXqnHZoI Tali's theme.]] Especially once it starts to kick in at 1:20, and then ''again'' at 3:20.** The mysterious tunes in the first part of that video (<40 sec in) that are played during the trial. Between the atmosphere, with all of the vegetation growing inside the ships, to the strange-looking runic writing all over the walls, to this race of people stuck inside of biosuits all their lives, to ''this'' music playing, to the whole trial thing, made this one of the most awesome scenes in the game.** There's even a part in the middle of the song (from 2:20) where the main melody of "Uncharted Worlds" is played in a different key. After a while, the same melody then plays 4 times faster. Fitting for a member of a galaxy-wandering race.** Pretty much ''all'' of the character themes are pretty awesome, but Creator/BioWare really outdid themselves with Kasumi's themes (yes, she [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAf0VvQU7hI has]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeBER4uuN2k more]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RDW_2bw0Gk than]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n8_64-DYkA one]]), especially with the haunting woodwind melody in tracks 2 & 3.** That fourth one? If you listen that's actually a rendition of ''Ave Maria'', a fitting piece for a ClassyCatBurglar to pull a heist from an interstellar crime lord. With an Afrikaans accent.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW8x8I8kA2U "The Attack"]]. Everything starts off easy enough...but then comes 1:20. Gives off the perfect "[[OhCrap oh, SHIT]]!" feeling. The first part is a reprise of the first game's "The Normandy" soundtrack. It's then rudely interrupted by this game's "An Unknown Enemy", which usually plays whenever the Collectors attack. It's a very effective reminder that you aren't playing ''VideoGame/MassEffect1'' anymore, and that the stakes are so much higher this time around.* The music during the final battle on Horizon is [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzOBG94bBR8 epic]].* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3cfC7NCFNE You've got to warn them. More are coming.]] "The Swarms / [[spoiler: Shepard's End]]" doubles as a TearJerker because it plays when [[spoiler: Shepard dies.]]* The name of the music from the Mass Effect Cinematic trailer. Drumbeats and a choir as Shepard, Grunt, and Thane walk off towards a Collector ship? Epic.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgYM8uRcsIA The music that plays during combat in the Overlord DLC pack.]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFfOacxTVmg David's theme]] also qualifies as SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic along with being a major TearJerker. When you get to that scene where it plays in the background... * [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXiU6kiq_Ms Mordin Solus sings Scientist Salarian.]] Also a SugarWiki/{{Funny Moment|s}} and BigLippedAlligatorMoment. [[spoiler:And then, come ''3'', it becomes a FunnyAneurysmMoment when he sings it while [[HeroicSacrifice sacrificing himself to cure the Genophage]].]]* The music that plays during the combat in the final mission, [[spoiler: while your specialist is in the tubes. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcScbgc5HqA It's perfect for the circumstance.]]]] What makes it worse is that, for some baffling reason, that song ISN'T IN THE OST.** It was released on October 5 2010, in the new album ''Combat'', with the title "Infiltration" (listen to it [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB5dKamxtI4 here]]). A part of it can also be heard during Tali's recruit mission.** On a related note: The music that plays during the second part of the Collector base, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1fXzVgBt0g Long Walk]], has elements of Samara's theme, WildMassGuessing, This means the "canonical" (default, if you don't import your character to [=ME3=]) choices for the Collectors' base are Tali and Samara for the first and second parts respectively.** This particular piece also comes up in Legion's loyalty mission [[spoiler:when you have to HoldTheLine at a particular point of the mission]]. Must be a Geth-Quarian thing, seeing how this piece shows up within the presence of either races.* The song that plays in the Dark Star bar. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATIFjrjXgNw Just listen...and smile.]] Just how good is that piece of music? The Australian morning show ''Sunrise'' uses it for their finance reports (seen in [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpIMCD6J9Hc&t=3m50s this]] video).* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcvtMB10IIU "Hide To Seek" by Comaduster]], the song that plays in Eternity. Very chill but still very awesome. Almost makes you not want to leave Eternity.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMPGKWoa53E "The Lazarus Project"]]. Perfectly captures the emotion of Shepard's resurrection.* While not everyone likes Jacob, many agree that his [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTJZueD0gZo suite]] is still one of the best tracks in the game.* When you fight the Collector ship during the suicide mission. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFSX6xK3L3c Here it is]], and skip to about 0:23 in, and go to 1:23. Sorry about the dialogue and extra sounds. No one has distilled the music from the scene yet.** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0j8r_j2szA The particular piece of music that plays there.]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8tRhgzUMo8 "Crash Landing"]] is the full track on the OST for this segment of the game.** The best part, "Crash Landing" is one of the first appearances of the Suicide Mission Leitmotif, and the first time with a full choir. In short, that track is the moment when the plot goes from "we're so screwed" to "the Collectors are so screwed."* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tayibILjXA Garrus' theme.]]* One of the most haunting and ominous pieces of incidental music ''ever'', [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpcGBTwvYQc "Humans are Disappearing"]]. ** After the Collectors [[spoiler:kidnap every other member of the Normandy crew]] and Joker is standing dejected in the mass effect core room, the piano part plays just once, fading into the silence... Who ever expected that one of the most haunting moments in a game could be a reprise of the music that plays over its ''menu''? (Well, ''Mass Effect 1'' did it first (see "Vigil", above). But then, nobody expected them to deliver ''twice''...)** The riff from "Humans are Disappearing" is used again in [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBBCBB6PUxM The Final Reckoning]], which plays if you lose anyone during the Suicide Mission.* The first "real" mission features the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ5yDG6VIFI Freedom's Progress theme]], which has copious amounts of tension-building punctuated by a particular squishy percussion players quickly learn means deep shit of the Collector variety.* From Arrival:** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNODZBauaPg Object Rho]].** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZNBeaRscvo Captured]], which doesn't play as often as it should.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGXxhMQX4Lk The Combat album has plenty]].** The whole soundtrack is awesomesauce, considering most of the tracks are for action and combat cues, as well as a couple of cutscenes left out from the original [=ME2=] score. Highlights include [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQF36DnhNBc Mother vs. Daughter]], [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsuWavf1cU8 Testing Memories]], [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsImZABZfnY Grunt Awakens]] and [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN6ZasHPdMc Gathering Charges]]. ** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBqdWmgFw6I Escape From Omega]]. * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEQNxaYS4_0 The Human-Reaper's theme]] is essentially the ''Mass Effect 2'' version of In Pursuit of Saren. Notably gets reused in Mass Effect 3 when [[spoiler:Harbinger attacks Hammer Task Force]].* The romance theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emeSBD8DvCc Reflections]], is nicely done and very touching. It is perfect for what is to come after the scene.* There's been a lot of discussion about the unintentional similarities between the [[Series/DoctorWho Eleventh Doctor's]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUMEzUMcu64 theme]] and [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCk4RiKH9H0 "The End Run"]], to the point where people have even [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXjP03yZcsA mashed them together]].[[/folder]]

[[folder:Mass Effect 3]]* Some doubted that Music/ClintMansell would be able to fill in the shoes of Jack Wall. If [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg1ElmVQ2pw Escape from Earth]] is any indication, it's time for those doubters to hang their heads in shame. Its haunting piano motif instantly became one of the most instantly recognizable sounds in the trilogy.** [[AvertedTrope Averted]] in the case of anyone who's familiar with the films of Creator/DarrenAronofsky, as Mansell scored most if not all of them and, particularly in the cases of ''Film/RequiemForADream'' and ''TheFountain'', generated some truly mind-blowing SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic.** Particularly awesome is the simulation of a reaper noise using heavy brass.** And when the soundtrack was released, it became apparent that Mansell didn't write much music for this game. He got credit for two tracks, and Sam Hulick claims that he gave shared credit to Mansell for one track (An End, Once and For All) because it references the Leaving Earth theme.* Remember how awesome Mass Effect 2's launch trailer was? [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mbjUbSaBJo Try Mass Effect 3]] with TwoStepsFromHell supplying the soundtrack '''yet again'''. To make it hit closer to your heart strings, the soundtrack is titled "Protectors of Earth".* The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6UeKVJTvuo Mars Theme]]. Holy hell, the Mars Theme. It sounds so "''Franchise/MassEffect''". Then it segues into [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWA9QVKn82o this.]] Best chase music ''ever.''* The new romance theme, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP5BCUKXgY8 I Was Lost Without You]]. The title says it all. Bonus points for this being In Universe SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic from ''Fleet and Flotilla'', a Turian/Quarian romance vid, which just makes it so right if you are with an alien love interest, or even if you're not. If you romanced Tali, in the ''Citadel'' DLC, she ''[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s18hNZCYAXE sings along to it!]]''* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m-vRZnUFxg The Fleet Arrives.]] If Escape from Earth is a TearJerker in music form, this is a musical SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome. It's one of the few reprises you'll hear of the theme from the first game and it's ''incredible''. It plays while Joker tallies off the war assets you've acquired (Alliance/Turian/Asari etc. fleets reporting) and sounds so amazingly triumphant. It is literally the musical varsion of the game saying "This is what you've accomplished". Really if there's only one complaint about that music, it has to be that it doesn't have the sound of the [[BigDamnHeroes hundreds of ships]] [[MostWonderfulSound dropping out of lightspeed.]]* The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqVqMh8kHHk music]] that plays when you fight the Reaper Destroyer on Rannoch illustrates better than any other piece in the trilogy the desperation of fighting a giant fleet of [[HumongousMecha giant machine]] {{Eldritch Abomination}}s. It starts with a reprise of Sovereign's theme from ''VideoGame/MassEffect1'', before transitioning into a perfect blend of [[OminousLatinChanting Ominous Chanting]] and AutobotsRockOut as Shepard quite literally stands his/her ground against a 200-meter walking tank with a giant laser targeting him/her.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNcNOMiSQ5I Stand Strong, Stand Together.]] Played during Admiral Hackett's RousingSpeech. Probably his greatest moment in the trilogy, where he unequivocally states the fleet will prevail.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TkwzCsqgws Aralakh Company]], the return of Grunt and the premiere of rachni husks along with this track. The track ends with the LonelyPianoPiece that accompanies Grunt's LastStand.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRcmtPVxrBU I'm Proud Of You.]] Made even more heartbreaking if you listen closely to the last few seconds. That faint whispering you hear, underneath the solo piano? That's the sound of someone ''gasping for breath''.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5JvbD2Zc9I An End, Once And For All,]] a combination of DarkReprise and TriumphantReprise, because all at once [[spoiler: the threat of the Reapers is no more, but so many [[HeroicSacrifice sacrifices]] were made along the way.]] The original track is mostly a somber DarkReprise, leading into a ScareChord with the Normandy severely damaged - [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLxv_g_zQkY the extended version]] shows the galaxy's denizens celebrating their heroic victory over the Reapers, and the music swells into a crescendo as the Normandy emerges from the Crucible's energy blast largely unscathed... Cue SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome. Apology accepted, [=BioWare=].* The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLawoP3jP5I fight for Menae]]. 'The turians refuse to be intimidated' alright.* You wouldn't expect [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpJz25ac9TA this theme]] ("A Future for the Krogan") to be a {{Leitmotif}} for the [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy krogan]], but it is and it's awesome. The game greatly expands on their society and history beyond the fact that [[BloodKnight they like fighting]].* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2c0tuLnDTs The music that plays]] while you're in the London FOB. Amazingly somber, conveys a sense of impending doom - quite like the "last hours" music in ''Majora's Mask''.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce9zUNx8mUI Reaper Chase]]. Too bad only about 15 seconds of it [[LongSongShortScene actually get played]]. And yet the subsequent battle does not disappoint, with [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqVqMh8kHHk this piece of epicness]] getting played during it. Sadly, for some baffling reason, it is not on the OST.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU3V24RjIc4 This track]] isn't part of the OST, but it's pretty awesome. It plays during the [[spoiler: Citadel siege when Shepard and company are fighting their way through an army of Cerberus thugs on the Presidium Commons.]]* Say what you will about the endings, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtF5nlQraog the background music]] when you're [[spoiler: talking to The Catalyst]] is hauntingly beautiful, now included on the Extended Cut soundtrack, titled [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6wwDgojjrc Wake Up.]]* The ''Franchise/MassEffect'' universe once again shows us it has excellent [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIy6SHuktAo club music]].** The new music in Shepard's cabin, [[http://youtu.be/4myL938_qt4 I Don't Swim In Lakes]], wouldn't be out of place in a club.** The same goes for [[http://youtu.be/WJCBLcAYqQQ Bad Choices]] by Shout Out Out Out Out, another great song from Shepard's cabin that, due to the lyrics, might well be Renegade Shepard's personal anthem. * Perhaps the best music in ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'' is the music from the previous two games. That's not to say the new music isn't brilliant, but the emotional connections have been built over the past two games and Bioware knows precisely when to use them. A few examples:** "Eden Prime" and "Battle at Eden Prime" are frequently used on several missions.** Some of the Citadel music from the first game is re-used, including "Presidium" and "The Wards", which play in the Presidium Commons and in the refugee camp respectively.** Tali's theme plays occasionally in the missions on Rannoch (except for the geth server mission).** You might even recognize Samara's leitmotif right before she reappears in the Ardat-Yakshi monastery.** "Reflections", the romance music from the second game, plays after [[spoiler:Miranda kills her father]], for some reason. And yet, it still fits well with the scene, with her feelings of catharsis, relief, and a new and uncertain future.** Not as touching as the rest, but the awesome "Infiltration" battle theme from ''Mass Effect 2'' plays a couple of times in this game, including during the assault on Cerberus's base. [[spoiler:This is where you face Jack if you skipped the Grissom Academy mission]].** The big one, however, is hearing "Vigil", the very first thing players experience in the Mass Effect franchise, when solving a situation peacefully (curing the genophage, uniting the Geth and Quarians).* The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41T88C9Rcqs music]] that plays during character creation.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al8639EvPB0 Cerberus Plot]], which plays mostly during the Cerberus Headquarters mission, which distantly yet noticeably channels the same sound and vibe as Virmire combat soundtracks from the first game.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gm81jT0Vhk We Face Our Enemy Together.]]* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aI355pd41s Mordin Cures the Genophage]] combines [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome awesome]], [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments heartwarming]] and TearJerker all in one piece, just like the scene it accompanies. And "Vigil" playing after makes it even better. Alternatively, you get [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co8tenPDP8Y this]] if you [[spoiler: sabotage the cure for the genophage and kill Mordin.]] The title? [[TearJerker Bet]][[AntiHero ray]][[WhatTheHellHero al]].* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxsyXHKl6mY Extraction]] is everything you need in a simple piece of battle music.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv17hwT4jTk I'm Sorry]], a beautifully tragic piece that plays if you choose the geth over the quarians.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COB6-PrmqjE This piece]] is a slow version of "Leaving Earth" which is played when Shepard is dreaming about that kid on Earth. It's really depressing most especially [[spoiler: when you hear the voices of those who died in the fight]].* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdTtDk4UEnU The theme]] that plays during the final fight with Kai Leng.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27yRNPEQ5q8 Das Malefitz]]. Faunts returns to give us the magnificent song for the end credits. Mixed with awesomeness and nostalgia, this song relaxes us and allows us to come to terms with the end of Shepard's journey. On a High EMS ending, it ends on a triumphant major chord instead of a minor one.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVnRgvnFMJQ Prothean Beacon,]] which plays in the Temple of Athame, can make you forget the planet is being sacked just outside.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAk7eN-QBOs The Choice]], the background music accompanying the final playable moment of the game (and the trilogy by extension). Hearing it almost makes you want to run and make your choice, even though Shepard is physically barely capable of doing so.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzwrLn6gV9o A Future That Many Will Never See.]] Featured in the Destroy ending, this song is filled with a majestic and heroic atmosphere. Even when the relays and the Citadel are badly damaged, galactic society will repair them and life will go on.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIpyr8256no I Will Watch Over The Ones Who Live On.]] As this song plays, Shepard [[spoiler:[[AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence becomes the new master of the Reapers]]]], deciding to aid in the reconstruction in the galaxy.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm3ICwHFo-I I Am Alive And I Am Not Alone.]] Hands-down the Extended Cut's best new track, the music perfectly conveys the palpable sense of hope expressed by EDI in the aftermath of synthesis.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNSB7vExtc Resolution.]] Played when the Normandy's crew gather at the memorial wall. This song's bittersweet feel will make you drop ManlyTears and will allow you to come to terms with Shepard's [[spoiler:[[HeroicSacrifice death]] or [[AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence ascension]].]]** The song becomes a little sweeter in the [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqnV8uh9R1o Destroy variant]]. It is made even better, since WordOfGod confirms that in the Destroy ending, Shepard [[spoiler:[[http://www.dsogaming.com/news/bioware-officially-confirms-that-shepard-is-alive-in-the-destroy-ending-of-mass-effect-3/ survives and reunites with his/her love interest and crew.]]]]** Then there's the Refusal Ending, "[[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQbcot_3ZB0 We Fought As a United Galaxy]]", a sorrowful piece ending with hope (as Liara's FlingALightIntoTheFuture is portrayed.)* The reprise of [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXCM0lZxh4U The Normandy Reborn]], when Shepard races to the ''Normandy'' during the escape of Earth, jumping back into the fray once more to save us. Let's be honest, this theme is not really about the ''Normandy'', this theme is more about the return of ''The Shepard''.* Some of the music from Leviathan DLC are reworkings of previous pieces (a variant of "David" from Overlord plays when talking to Ann back at the lab, for example), but a few of the new pieces are absolutely chilling; the ambient music that plays at the mining facility, and [[spoiler: when talking to Leviathan]] really stand out, although no links available as yet.* What do you get when you slow down Uncharted Worlds by 600x? [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grXM8wAFDao You get the background music for the squad selection screen]] and also one of the most haunting pieces in the game, that is unfortunately NOT in the official soundtrack. Peaceful yet only further drives the hopeless feeling that's present through the entire game.* The [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIuuo9usJt4 irresistible battle theme]] that gets played during the Sur'Kesh mission.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4k2Fa5ssYs The Leviathan]]. For when you finally meet what you've been after the whole DLC... [[EldritchAbomination And it's as horrible as you thought.]]* From the Omega DLC, we have [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuwL12aCaFI Omega Assault]] as you storm the streets of Omega with Aria and Nyreen, facing Cerberus and [[BodyHorror whatever they have left behind]].* Two Steps From Hell also have "Am I Not Human?" for [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmJfr5CT0-Q the Rebellion Pack trailer.]]* The music in the Citadel DLC has three heartwarming and sad pieces which gives you a feeling that this is Shepard's last adventure with their crew:** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07D1baJlCPg "The End..."]] which is played after [[spoiler:defeating clone!Shepard and where you and your crew finally got some rest.]]** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PinXwIZaQHc Liara's Theme]] which is basically the piano version of "Vigil".** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m6--1CPf0w "Farewell and Into the Inevitable"]] which is a great send-off piece for Commander Shepard's story. * From the Citadel DLC, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtwOhsM6_Vk the theme]] that plays during the fight with Mysterious Figure, [[spoiler: aka Clone Shepard.]]* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9fb52ZD4wA Hurrah for the Krogan Queen!]]* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HvVkmyJAIg Liara's Vigil]], which is Vigil's Theme as a LonelyPianoPiece, brings the entire series into a BookEnd, especially when you consider Liara and Vigil's roles, which becomes doubly poignant if you choose Refusal.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Other]]* Miracle of Sound refuses to have just ONE epic song for Mass Effect, known as [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiRDJLcYua0 'Commander Shepard']], and wrote another brilliant track simply titled [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMrHgQhrEDU 'Normandy']]. Feel free to weep tears.** We can add [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9feUxKIqKmg 'Take It Back']] to the list of epic songs, as well as its [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgBJeJ3-MWM extended edition.]]** The instrumental piece [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uOvECN0wTw 'Crucible']]. Interestingly, this actually samples the [[HellIsThatNoise Reaper horn]] from the game, using it for the bass line.** Yet another awesome song, this one about [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/miracle-of-sound/5968-Kalros-Mass-Effect-3 Kalros]].** Another awesome song about ''VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda'' titled [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52ZGqJJTA7k The Great Unknown]]. Say what you will about the game, but the song is as awesome as [=MoS'=] other ''Mass Effect'' songs. * Someone did an [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--ja8Fuw9pY 8-bit version]] of the track 'Uncharted Worlds', that awesome music that plays whenever you check the iconic galaxy map. And yes, it's just as awesome.* Jimmy Hinson, who participated to [=ME2=]'s soundtrack, just released an album, "Legacy", composed of [=ME2=] musics which weren't selected for the game. Also, this album sports a song named [[http://music.biggiantcircles.com/album/legacy "Shepard of the Galaxy"]], which is freakin' awesome ! Unbroken link [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LInzl566l7A here]].* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kINwRbSCASs Look out, here comes the reapers!]] ''Franchise/MassEffect''!* Give a listen to [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re32xnyYP3A "Reignite"]], based on some of the most iconic themes from the first and third games. ManlyTears and HeroicResolve will soon follow.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idra_THiTS8 Mass Effect Music Mix of Legend]], featuring music from all three games. Close to 18 minutes of sheer epicness.* Disappointed with the way too short tracks during the Reaper battle on Rannoch? Then [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6ITutywYGA this]] is what you need; the very ''redefinition'' of OrchestralBombing with OminousLatinChanting.* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrxErfKLzfM The Mass Effect Emotional Suite]], a compilation of all the emotional themes from all three games plus ''[[Anime/MassEffectParagonLost Paragon Lost]]''. It is almost 50 minutes long and guaranteed to move you to ManlyTears. * [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fgpnVNnncw This video]] could serve as an excellent trailer for the entire trilogy as a whole. The music used, including excellent pieces by M83 and Sam Hulick, perfectly captures many of the emotional peaks and dips of the series.* The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzHqQbz78-s Mass Effect 3 rap]] by JT Machinima.[[/folder]]----